9th August 2019

Today we watched history being made when LEO I and II engineer Ray Ivatt and Chair of the LEO Computers Society (LCS), Peter Byford, donned an Oculus Rift headset to see our prototype virtual reality LEO I.

VR developer Chris Monk and project volunteer Richard gave Ray and Peter a demonstration of the virtual LEO, as part of our efforts to consult with members of the LCS on the development of the VR. People like Ray were there at the time LEO was developed and used, after all, and their insight is vital to ensure the accuracy of the virtual LEO.

Peter Byford said, "It was amazing that we could walk around the World’s first business computer, LEO l, which was operational between 1951 and 1965. It really gave the impression of being amongst the machines."

Project Manager Lisa McGerty said, "It was such a privilege to see Ray's reaction to the virtual LEO. It was a really moving experience to see such modern technologies being used to explore the past in this very exciting way."